'Floats and ropes' reminder for recreational rock lobster fishers
Recreational rock lobster fishers have been reminded of new rules concerning floats and ropes, and restrictions on night time fishing in the lead up to the rock lobster run of the whites.
New measures for recreational rock lobster fishing were implemented by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly in May 2018 to coincide with the removal of season restrictions of the fishery.
The 12-month season means fishers have the opportunity to catch a feed of rock lobster all year round.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development principal management officer Graeme Baudains urged fishers to comply with the new rules to reduce the risk of pot rope entanglements with migrating whales and the loss of fishing gear due to boat strikes.
"Fishers gearing up for the season must ensure the top half of their pot ropes are vertical in the water column, when using more than 20 metres of rope," he said.
"This removes ropes from the water surface and brings the responsibilities of recreational lobster fishers in line with measures in place for commercial fishers.
"There is also a night time curfew on pulling pot and fishers must ensure they don’t attach more than two floats to each pot."
Mr Baudains said 55,000 fishers were expected to take out a recreational fishing licence to participate in this fishery over the coming season.
"The popularity of this activity reflects the high value that communities on the west coast place on recreational fishing for rock lobster as part of their summer lifestyle,” he said.
Mr Baudains reminded fishers to be safe and consider other water users over summer, especially during the Christmas and New Year break, when boat ramps and popular lobster potting areas are busy.
More information about the rules for fishing rock lobster is available on the websites of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Recfishwest.